Bernard Onyango Ranginya famously known by his stage name Onyi Papa Jey captured the country’s music seen in 2007 with his debut album Raila ODM.
The album contained a track titled Raila ODM which was a favorite for the ODM party leader and presidential aspirant Raila Odinga ahead of the 2007 general elections.
The 17 minute song was used as Odinga’s anthem during his campaigns across the country.
After the 2007 post election violence, he released another song titled Mapatano (reconciliation) that was calling for truce among the Kenyan population after the violence that led to the death of over 1, 000 people across the country, with over 500,000 others left homeless.
Between 2007 and 2009, Onyi Papa Jey was the talk of town especially in Luo Nyanza due to his tracks that resonated with the masses.
He was nominated for three categories during the 2008 Kisima Music Awards. The categories were Artist of the Year, Ethnic Fusion Artist and Song of the Year.
He, however, walked home empty handed after he failed to win in any of the categories.
The man who dropped out of high school due to lack of School fees is also remembered for his hit tracks such as Happy Nyar Masai, Daudi Jamigori, Hon. Omondi Anyanga, Kilio cha Mugabe Were and Obama among others.
Born in Suba, Migori County 36-years ago, Onyi Papa Jey is still active in music.
Currently, the Ohangla maestro is based in Mombasa and often visits various parts of the country for live performances.